Launch new e-commerce initiatives with a dedicated team of virtual CFOs focused on optimizing your financial management
E-commerce and retailers are constantly having to manage inventory received, discounts with wholesalers, Amazon warehouses, and customer services to name a few. With only so much time in the day, the retailer needs assistance on the operations side so they can concentrate on customer service and growth. We guide retail clients through challenges from margins on the products, to navigating the fees charged by Amazon. We assist you in crafting long-term plans to boost efficiency, cut costs, and increase profit margins. We also aid in monitoring cash reserves and identifying opportunities
What We Can Do For You
Our approach is proactive and specific to e-commerce. Managing an online retail business means dealing with financial complexity that traditional accounting rarely accounts for: platform fees that vary by product and category, inventory timing mismatches between purchase and sale, cash flow gaps driven by long lead times from overseas suppliers, and gross margin erosion that happens quietly across dozens of SKUs before anyone notices.
For every e-commerce client, we analyze gross margin by product, platform, and sales channel, so you know exactly which products are actually making money on Amazon versus Shopify versus your own storefront. We map out the true impact of platform fees, warehousing costs, and return rates on each product’s profitability, not just your blended margin across the whole catalog. We also build cash flow forecasts that account for inventory purchasing cycles, seasonal demand swings, and the timing gap between when you pay suppliers and when customers pay you.
We also review your internal controls across purchasing, inventory, and payments, the areas where e-commerce businesses are most vulnerable to errors and fraud. The case study below is a real example of what this looks like in practice.
Already looking for a CFO who understands e-commerce? Delegate CFO has worked with online retailers and marketplace sellers on platform fee analysis, inventory cash flow, and gross margin by product. Fixed-rate pricing, no long-term contract. Book a free consultation →
WHO WE WORK WITH
E-COMMERCE RETAILER ABLE TO MANAGE SALES MORE EFFECTIVELY
Our client was able to manage their sales more effectively on their on-line platforms. We helped them map out the effect that Amazon and Shopify fees had on their products, and which products to avoid selling on certain platforms due to lower gross margins on those specific products. They are now able to adjust to sales volumes and cash flows of the company.
Who You're Working With
Steve Hovland, Certified Forensic Accountant
Former CPA firm partner with 20+ years of financial leadership experience, including work with e-commerce retailers, wholesalers, and multi-channel sellers. Every Delegate CFO engagement is led directly by Steve, bringing forensic-level oversight to your platform fee analysis, inventory controls, and gross margin reporting from day one.
We offer three different service levels, each with additional a-la-carte services that can be added on, so you only pay for exactly what you want and need.
Your dedicated Virtual CFO partners with you year-round on the decisions that actually move your business forward. You get cash flow forecasting, a rolling 12-month forecast, company-wide KPIs, performance tracking by project and team member, bank relationship management, and up to 6 virtual meetings per month. If you’re making major decisions about growth, hiring, or financing and need a senior financial partner in your corner, this is the right fit.
Your Virtual Controller focuses on the accuracy and reliability of your financial reporting. You get a clean month-end close, GAAP-compliant financial statements, company-wide KPIs, 12-month forecasting, and up to 2 scheduled meetings per month. The right fit if you need stronger financial infrastructure and forward-looking reporting without full CFO-level strategy.
Your Virtual Accounting Manager picks up where your bookkeeper leaves off. We review your books at month-end, adjust to accrual accounting, and produce financial statements you can hand to your banker or shareholders. The right fit if you need a senior review layer over your existing bookkeeping without the cost of a Controller or CFO engagement.
Delegate CFO promises we will never hide our pricing or charge you ‘hourly billing’ rates. Our fees are fixed and based on your company’s specific needs. Our pricing is fixed for 12 months and you are never billed for miscellaneous items.
During our free consultation, we’ll discuss the services your company needs and your personal and professional goals. As an added benefit, all of our meetings are held virtually.
Looking for more detailed information on our virtual CFO charges and service packages?
A full-time CFO costs $200,000 or more in salary and benefits. Delegate CFO gives you the same strategic financial leadership, platform fee analysis, gross margin by product, and inventory cash flow planning, at a fixed monthly rate built for growing e-commerce businesses.
What you get with Delegate CFO: